Short story authors have to use their scant space judiciously in order to carve out characters and images that are just as memorable as the ones readers find in an epic novel. Although that level of quality is sometimes a lofty standard to uphold, it's one to which almost every tale in Ethan Rutherford's collection, “The Peripatetic Coffin and Other Stories,” does justice.

“The Peripatetic Coffin” is Rutherford's flagship fable and arguably his most accomplished work in this collection. It is an excellent piece of historical fiction that recounts the harrowing trials of the first Confederate submarine during the Civil War. Here, Rutherford showcases his flair for original metaphor through his vivid description of a crew member's friend being “ribboned by shrapnel,” and the Union army sinking enemy ships “with the insouciance of a bull swatting blackflies.”

Most of Rutherford's stories tackle somber subjects, but he maintains careful balance by peppering his darker vignettes with punches of humor. His only clumsy implementation of comedy might come in “Camp Winnesaka,” a satirical yarn that uses the conflict between feuding children's summer camps as a thinly veiled metaphor for the Iraq war. It's supposed to be facetious, but the antics of the irresponsible counselors are more likely to elicit awkward chuckles instead of real laughter.

A midwesterner, Rutherford has been hailed by his fellow writers, who frequently cite his range as being one of his strongest virtues. While that might be true within the scope of a single story, when examining his stories as a whole, the praise seems less apropos.

Several stories prominently feature nautical terminology and seafaring themes. And they focus on the seemingly futile struggle of man to survive against impossible odds.

While each piece is lovingly crafted, it is debatable whether or not true narrative diversity exists within this collection. It will be up to the individual reader to decide if Rutherford maintains thematic consistency or creates tedious redundancy.

David Garza is a San Antonio writer. Reach him at dng.bluestar@gmail.com.